Cohousing is a collaborative living model where residents design, develop, and manage their community. Individuals or families have private homes but share common spaces, resources, and responsibilities. It fosters engagement, belonging, and mutual support through shared activities and collaborative decision-making. Cohousing creates a close-knit, sustainable, and intentional environment that balances social interaction with individual privacy.

The common house is the heart of a cohousing community, designed to foster connection and collaboration. Centrally located for easy access, it hosts dining areas, gathering spaces, children's play areas, and mail pickup. Amenities are decided upon by the members but can include guest rooms, workshops, and adult activity spaces to cater to diverse needs. Thoughtfully designed by residents, the common house remains a dynamic hub, keeping the community engaged and thriving.

Cohousing is designed for individuals and families seeking a collaborative community. Emphasizing inclusivity, diverse backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles are welcome. Residents value shared responsibilities and a sense of belonging, creating an inclusive environment where everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective experience of cohousing living.

Forest Glen intends to be an intergenerational cohousing community, fostering a supportive environment where people of all ages connect, collaborate, and thrive. Children will benefit from safe play spaces and built-in friendships, while parents gain support from neighbors. Adults will enjoy shared resources, social engagement, and a strong sense of belonging. Seniors will find companionship, purpose, and mutual assistance, reducing isolation and enhancing well-being.

With shared meals, activities, and sociocratic decision-making, Forest Glen will encourage meaningful relationships across generations. Designed for connection while respecting privacy, it will offer a dynamic, inclusive environment where all ages contribute, support one another, and build a vibrant, sustainable community together.

Cohousing communities are meticulously designed to be eco-friendly, promoting environmental sustainability in various ways. Shared resources, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable construction materials minimize ecological footprints.

Community gardens, composting, and carpooling further reduce environmental impact, fostering a collective commitment to eco-conscious living within the cohousing framework.

Cohousing planning and design involve an inclusive, resident-driven process. Future occupants actively participate in intensive workshops, shaping the community's layout, shared spaces, and overall vision.

This collaborative approach prioritizes common facilities, affordability, and energy efficiency, fostering a cohesive, community-oriented design that reflects the collective aspirations of its residents.

Cohousing communities typically adopt a condominium legal structure, where each household owns their home and shares ownership of common facilities. This model ensures collective responsibility for maintaining shared spaces while providing individual homeownership. Residents contribute to ongoing costs through homeowners associations, fostering a sustainable financial framework for cohousing communities.

Cohousing communities are typically financed through a combination of member contributions, bank loans, and sometimes grants. Members invest in their private homes and shared spaces, contributing to the overall development costs. Collective decision-making and financial transparency are integral to ensuring the sustainable funding and success of cohousing projects.

At Forest Glen, we use sociocracy as our decision-making model, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Cohousing decisions will be made collaboratively through structured, inclusive processes where residents actively participate in discussions and contribute to community decisions on everything from design to shared responsibilities.

By embracing sociocracy, we will foster a sense of ownership, promote community cohesion, and ensure that diverse perspectives are thoughtfully considered in shaping the collective life of our cohousing community.